Representatives vote of confidence: Ohanaeze, Oduduwa youth, others hail Dagazau

The Ohanaeze Youth Movement, Middle Belt Youth Forum and Oduduwa Youth Consultative Movement have commended the Executive Vice President, Downstream, of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Dr. Mumuni Dagazau, following the House of Representatives vote of confidence in his leadership and dismissal of money laundering charges against him.

Youth organizations described the development as a significant endorsement of Dr Dagazau’s professional competence, integrity and contribution to ongoing efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s downstream oil sector.

In a joint statement signed on Tuesday in Abuja by their Lead Convener, Mallam Kabiru Yusuf, the groups said the decision of the House of Representatives underlines the importance of evidence-based investigations in addressing allegations against public officials, especially those entrusted with responsibilities in a strategic sector of the national economy.

The House’s decision follows an investigation conducted by an ad hoc subcommittee formed to examine petitions filed by the Coalition for Transparency and Accountability in the Nigeria Petroleum Sector (CTANPS). According to the summary of the proceedings, the commission’s findings led to the dismissal of the charges against Dr. Dagazau and the subsequent expression of confidence in his leadership.

The groups urged Nigerians and industry stakeholders to recognize the importance of due process and allow the findings of appropriate investigative bodies to guide public discourse.

They also argued that Dr Dagazau’s experience in the oil industry remained an important asset as Nigeria pursued reforms aimed at improving downstream operations, strengthening distribution networks and expanding access to alternative energy sources.

Youth organizations have highlighted several developments within NNPCL’s downstream operations, underlining that the company’s evolving strategy reflects efforts to address long-standing structural challenges in the oil industry.

They highlighted the adoption of a revised refinery rehabilitation approach based on technical equity partnerships, describing it as an attempt to improve the commercial sustainability and operational efficiency of the country’s refining activities.

While acknowledging that refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna were still not producing in July 2026, the groups said the emphasis on a revised rehabilitation model demonstrated the need for commercially viable solutions to Nigeria’s domestic refining challenges.

According to them, the long-term success of the strategy would depend on effective implementation, transparent partnerships and measurable improvements in refining capacity.

The groups also lauded NNPCL’s continued support for compressed natural gas (CNG) as an alternative to conventional petrol and diesel.

The groups also referred to NNPCL’s renewed commitment, announced in October 2025, to upgrade existing downstream infrastructure and implement additional facilities for storage and transportation of products.

According to them, sustained investments in storage, transportation and distribution infrastructure would be essential to improve supply chain efficiency, strengthen market resilience and encourage greater participation from private sector operators.

Signed:
Mallam Kabiru Yusuf
Main summoner